By DARREN HANDSCHUHWednesday, August 8, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=58506
According to the head of the City of Vernon bylaw department, a bylaw officer who wrestled a man to the ground during Monday‘s Peace and Awareness rally was within her power to do so. Clint Kanester said bylaw officers do have the authority to assist police in making an arrest or to protect themselves, others or to assist police. “Presumably that (physical confrontation) would be a last resort,” he said. Kanester said the name of the bylaw officer is not being released due to concerns about retribution. “The car that she would normally drive already had the tires slashed,” he said Wednesday. Kanester said the bylaw officer is also an RCMP auxiliary and former prison guard. Kanester interviewed the bylaw officer and was told she felt the RCMP officer needed some help so she stepped in. Kanester also has statements from her and the RCMP, but said he has not seen the video of the event.
Kanester said he did not want to accuse those involved with having an “ulterior motive” he did say they “appreciate the media exposure.” The brouhaha started when the female bylaw officer asked vehicles be moved that she claimed were blocking an emergency lane. Rally organizer Jack Elliman was told three times to move his car. Elliman said he was busy running the rally and admits he did not immediately comply. However, when he did try to move the car he said the bylaw officer refused to allow him to do so and had already called a tow truck. According to police, the by-law officer felt her safety was in danger and called police who arrived and arrested Elliman. Freedom Tour organizer Neil Magnuson then intervened and wrapped his arms around Elliman, while asking police if they could talk it over rather than arrest him. Police ended up pepper spraying Magnuson twice and arresting both men. Kanester said ticketing vehicles parked near the bandshell is a new practice. By-law took over the park from a private security company in the spring. He said the company did not have the authority to ticket cars, but by-law does.
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